argyria
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Introduction
Deposition of silver salts in the skin.
Etiology
- industrial exposure (see silver for uses of silver)
- excess oral intake of silver
- chronic use of silver-containing nose drops[2]
Clinical manifestations
- asymptomatic, no known effect on health[2]
- permanent blue-gray to brown discoloration of skin & mucosa
- begins with a gray-brown gingival staining, followed by a blue-gray discoloration in sun-exposed areas[2]
- eventually, the sclera, nail beds, & mucous membranes become hyperpigmented
- skin darker in sun-exposed regions
- high-levels of silver in the air can cause respiratory & gastrointestinal irritation, & mild skin allergic reactions[2]
Laboratory
Management
- removal from exposure
- 5% hydroquinone
- Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser[2]